JumpStart’s signature Small Business Impact Program is an intensive 12-week educational experience that offers promising entrepreneurs personalized guidance and hands-on learning within a focused, tight-knit cohort. The program places a special emphasis on financial projections and capital pitches, along with:

• Focused business advising
• Education on various essential business topics
• Impactful tools and resources to help business owners pursue growth

The program concludes with a pitch competition where participants will present their businesses to a panel of judges for a chance to take home significant prizes in grant funding, new for 2025, including: $20,000 (grand prize); $7,500 (runner-up), and all other program graduates will receive $2,500 to grow their businesses.

To be considered for the Cleveland Impact Program, entrepreneurs must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Operate their business within Northeast Ohio
• Generate more than $100,000 in annual revenue
• Meet with a business advisor during the application process
• Provide financial statements to business advisor

Cohort 24 Application Window: March 10th – May 12th
Weekly Program Sessions: Wednesdays, June 11th – August 13th
Program Showcase: TBD

Applications are currently closed. Please check back soon for more info about the 2025 Impact Program!